British racing's problems are not all of its own making but recent call to action must be heeded
Industry editor Bill Barber's weekly take on the key stories from the worlds of racing and betting
We are getting to the last knockings of 2024 and, as far as British racing is concerned, it appears very much like a year of false starts and stagnation.
The blame for that cannot be fully parked at the door of the sport's leadership. Circumstances have certainly conspired against them this year, with the most notable example prime minister Rishi Sunak's decision in May to call a general election.
The UK was always going to go to the polls at some point in 2024 but it seems particularly cruel that Sunak announced the decision just as, depending on who one listens to, a deal was all but done on levy reform. Sunak's appearance in the rain in Downing Street put an end to months of talks, discussions which have only recently been resurrected.
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Published on inOn The Money
Last updated
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- There is no misunderstanding - the Gambling Commission is responsible for the confusion caused by affordability checks
- Labour government starts making progress on gambling reform - but tone of announcement gives cause for concern
- A stark warning for British racing as vested interests continue to undermine progress
- Racing is losing precious time as the Jockey Club's search for a leader suffers major blow
- Kneejerk reaction to Gambling Commission report from opportunistic critics was all too predictable